Panasonic introduces a new telephoto zoom digital interchangeable lens, the compact LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH. (35 mm camera equivalent: 100-400 mm), the third lens to be introduced from its LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Series. And like all lenses in the series, includes Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology to minimize ghosts and flaring, plus a rugged, dust/splash-proof design that is freeze-proof to -10℃.

The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH. has a zoom range of 100mm to super telephoto 400 mm (35mm camera equivalent) to cover shooting situations from wildlife and indoor sports to portraits. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) effectively compensates for hand-shake movement to shoot even without a tripod. The lens works with Dual I.S.1 (Image Stabilizer) and Dual.I.S.22 when mounted on compliant Panasonic LUMIX DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) cameras.

Comprising 21 elements in 15 groups, the lens system features two UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses and two aspherical lenses. The sensor drive at max. 240 fps takes full advantage of cameras with high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF for exceptional video recording performance, and an inner focus drive system ensures smooth, silent operation. A micro-step drive system in the aperture control helps the camera smoothly catch up to brightness changes when zooming or panning. The optical design provides exceptional barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming.

By attaching a filter (67mm) such as ND or PL, the lens provides a wider range of expression in photos and video. A 1.4x Teleconverter DMW-TC143 extends focusing distance to 560mm (35mm camera equivalent) and the 2.0x Teleconverter DMW-TC203 to 800mm (35mm camera equivalent) for more close-up shots.

The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm will be available in stores at the end of June 2018. Suggested retail price is $1699.99 Available in sharp, metallic black.

*1 Dual I.S. can be used with LUMIX GX9, GX8 and GX80/85.
*2 Dual I.S.2 can be used with LUMIX G9, GH5, G80/G81/G85.
*3 To be sold separately as optional accessories.
•Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
•LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
•ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

Sony’s unmatched innovation within the image sensor space is at the forefront of the new α7 III, as it features a brand new 24.2MPi back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with increased sensitivity, outstanding resolution and an impressive 15 stopsii of dynamic range at low sensitivities. By combining this sensor with a variety of impressive features including extreme AF coverage of 93%, fast shooting at up to 10 fpsiii with either mechanical shutter or silent shootingiv, diverse 4Kvi video capabilities and more, Sony has created a new tool that gives all types of creators – from enthusiast to professional – the ability to capture content in new and different ways than they ever have before.

“We are continually pushing to deliver more for our customers – more versatility, more functionality and most importantly, more innovation,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging for Sony Electronics. “With the new α7 III, we’ve taken many of our newest and most advanced imaging technologies from the acclaimed α9 and α7R III models and paired them with an all-new 24.2 MP back-illuminated sensor to deliver the ultimate full-frame camera for enthusiasts, hobbyists and professionals alike. It’s a camera that punches far above its weight class in every capacity. Combined with our impressive selection of 26 native full-frame E-mount lenses, it provides a level of performance that is simply unmatched in the industry.”

Spectacular Full-frame Image Quality
The newly developed 24.2MPi back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor is paired with a front-end LSI that effectively doubles the readout speed of the image sensor, as well as an updated BIONZ X™ processing-engine that boosts processing speed by approximately 1.8 times compared to the α7 II. These powerful components work together to allow the camera to shoot at faster speeds while also enabling its impressive ISO range of 100 – 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 – 204800 for still images) and an overall 1.5 stopix improvement in image quality. The camera also features a massive 15-stopii dynamic range at low sensitivity settings, ensuring outstanding overall performance at all settings and in all shooting conditions, with significant advancements in accurate color reproductions of skin tones and the vibrant colors of nature.

This new full-frame model can also output 14 bit RAW formatix even in silent and continuous shooting modes, and is equipped with a 5-axis optical image stabilization system that results in a 5.0 stepv shutter speed advantage.

Significant Advances in AF Speed and Performance
The innovative new α7 III full-frame mirrorless camera features a level of AF performance that has been largely improved over the α7 II, including the addition of 4D FOCUS™ capabilities. The new camera has 425 contrast AF points that work with a 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system inherited from the acclaimed α9 model. This innovative AF system covers approximately 93% of the frame, ensuring reliable focusing and tracking for even the most difficult to capture subjects.

AF response and tracking has also been greatly improved in the new camera, with almost 2xii the focusing speed in low-light condition and 2xii the tracking speed compared to the previous model as a result of the faster image sensor readout. This allows complex and unpredictable motion to be captured with far greater precision and accuracy.

The acclaimed Eye AF feature is also available in the new camera, even in AF-C mode, which is extremely useful for situations where the subject is turning around, looking down or otherwise obstructed. It also works when the α7 III is being used with Sony’s A-mount lenses with an optional LA-EA3 adaptorx. Additional improvements in focusing flexibility include the addition of a multi-selector or ‘joystick’ for moving focusing points quickly, the addition of touch focusing capability, AF availability in Focus Magnifier mode, an ‘AF On’ button and much more.

Speed to Capture Every Decisive Moment
The new α7 III is equipped with an updated image processing system that allows it to shoot full resolution images at up to 10 fpsiii with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to 177 Standard JPEG images, 89 compressed RAW images or 40 uncompressed RAW imagesxi. This high speed mode is available with either a mechanical shutter or a completely silent shootingiv, adding to the immense flexibility of the camera. The camera can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fpsiii in live view mode with minimal lag in the viewfinder or LCD screen.

For added convenience, while large groups of burst images are being written to the memory card, many of the cameras key functions are operable, including access to the ‘Fn’ (Function) and ‘Menu’ buttons, image playback and several other menus and parameters including image rating and other functions that facilitate on-location image sorting.

Additionally, if there is fluorescent or artificial lighting present in a shooting environment, users can activate the Anti-flickerxii function to allow the α7 III to automatically detect frequency of the lighting and time the shutter to minimize its effect on images being captured. This minimizes any exposure or color anomalies that can sometimes occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds.

High Quality 4K Video
The new α7 III is an outstanding video camera as well, offering 4Kvi (3840×2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. In video mode, the camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect about 2.4xxiii the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.

An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)xiv picture profile is available on the α7 III as well, which supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Further, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, as well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist and proxy recording. The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbpsvi, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

Upgraded Build, Design and Customization
Sony’s newest full-frame camera is equipped with a variety of enhanced capabilities that were first implemented in the α9 and then again in the α7R III. These include dual media slots, with support in one slot for UHS-II type SD memory cards. Users have a variety of options for storing their content in each of the cards, including separate JPEG / RAW recording, separate still image / movie recording, relay recording and more. Battery life has been greatly extended as well – with a CIPA measurement of up to 710 shots per chargeviii, it offers the world’s longestvii battery life of any Mirrorless camera, as the new camera utilizes Sony’s Z series battery NP-FZ100 that have approximately 2.2 times the capacity of the W series battery NP-FW50 utilized in the α7 II.

The new camera features “My Menu” functionality which allows up to 30 menu items to be registered for instant recall when needed. Users can also apply star ratings to their still images through the camera controls for easier image playback and review, and edit the first three characters of all still image files. Additionally, there is a total of 81 functions that are assignable to 11 custom buttons, and the camera is both dust and moisture resistant.xv

The α7 III features high-resolution, high-contrast, fast-start XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with approximately 2.3 million dots for extremely accurate, true-to-life detail reproduction. “Standard” or “High” display quality settings are also available for both the viewfinder and monitor as well. It also is capable of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone, tablet, computer or FTP server via Wi-Fi®, while also offering a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C™ Terminal for increased flexibility in power supply and faster image transfer speed during tethered shooting.

The α7 III model also comes with Sony’s new software suite “Imaging Edge”, which extends the creative capabilities of the entire shooting process – from pre-processing to post-processing. “Imaging Edge” provides three PC applications called ‘Remote’, ‘Viewer’ and ‘Edit’, available for free download, which support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development. In the latest Version 1.1, several improvements have been implemented including about 10%xvi faster data transfer speed for remote shooting from PC (PC tether shooting) and about 65%xvii improvement in the response speed for RAW image editing. For more information, please visit Imaging Edge support page. www.sony.net/disoft/d/.

The camera is also compatible with a wide variety of Sony E-mount accessories including the BC-QZ1 Battery Chargerxviii, VG-C3EM Vertical Grip.

Pricing and Availability
The Sony α7 III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will ship this April for about $2000 US for the body and $2200 in a kit with the FE 28‑70 mm F3.5‑5.6 kit lens. In Canada, it will be sold for $2600 CA for the body and $2800 in a kit with the FE 28‑70 mm F3.5‑5.6 lens. The camera and kits will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.

Comment: Canon produced another dud albeit a cheap one – meet EOS Rebel T7, which for the most part feels like T2i circa 2009. Yeah, it has Wifi and Bluetooth, my smartphone has them too. Too little, too late. Canon abuses its market leader position for too long, juggling with the same limited set of old features from model to model, lagging far behind Sony and Fujifilm in innovation.

Canon announced their latest additions to its lineup of digital cameras: the EOS M50 Interchangeable Lens Camera, the first Canon EOS M-series camera with 4K video recording which is four-times the size of full HD 1080, and the EOS Rebel T7, the latest addition to the wildly popular EOS Rebel line of entry-level DSLR Cameras, with an upgraded CMOS sensor to deliver sharp, high-resolution images to capture life’s key moments.

For photographers actively seeking to upgrade their skills, the EOS M50 is an all-around, entry-level camera with an extensive list of user-friendly features that encourages users to broaden their creative visions. Providing improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor resulting in less noise and high definition in low-light situations, and the capability of recording 4K video, the EOS M50 will capture crisp, photographic expressions in various situations.

Built-In Wi-Fi* and NFC** connectivity
Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
Optical View Finder
For an additional cost, both products are also eligible for the reliable protection of CarePAK PLUS, Canon’s optional service plan, which includes accidental damage protection and Image Recovery, designed to retrieve irreplaceable images or videos otherwise lost or corrupted. CarePAK PLUS, along with all Canon camera service plans, is performed exclusively by Canon’s renowned service and support team.

The Canon EOS M50 is scheduled to be available in April 2018 for an estimated retail price of $779.99^ for the body only. The EOS M50 will also be available with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens in both black and white for an estimated retail price of $899.99^. Additionally, the EOS M50 will be sold with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM in black only for an estimated retail price of $1,249.00^. A Video Creator Kit will also be available for the EOS M50 for an estimated retail price of $999.99^.

The EOS Rebel T7 is scheduled to be available in April 2018, and will be sold as a lens-and-body kit with the EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS II for an estimated retail price of $549.99^.

Pentax launches a new flagship with full-frame sensor. The Pentax K-1 Mark II has improved autofocus, even higher ISO settings, and a new feature for shooting handheld images with super-high-resolution.

The new Pentax K-1 Mark II continues with the successful concept that distinguishes the predecessor, a camera for photographers who settle with nothing less than the best in terms of build and image quality. The new model uses the same rugged and weatherproof yet unusually compact body as before, with a unique screen that can be tilted in all directions and a large and clear viewfinder with 100% field of view. But new technology has been developed that makes the K-1 Mark II an even more capable camera for handheld photography or when you want to capture moving subjects.

Noise reduction chip provides ISO 819 200
The heart of the camera is a 36.4 megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers incredibly detailed images that are sharp and crisp right down to pixel levels, due to the lack of a low-pass filter.

In K-1 Mark II, Pentax has placed a special noise reduction chip between the sensor and the Prime IV image processor, which means that the new camera delivers even better image quality at high ISO levels, and the camera’s sensitivity range has been expanded up to ISO 819 200. An improvement of two stops compared to the predecessor’s already impressive maximum sensitivity, ISO 204 800.

Pixel Shift Resolution II
As before, the camera also offers 5-axis image stabilization achieved by moving the image sensor to compensate for camera shake. It allows you to shoot with up to 5 stops longer shutter speeds than you would normally have to use to get sharp, handheld images.

The amazing Pixel Shift Resolution technology, first introduced in K-1, now has a new, smart mode called Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution, specially designed for handheld shooting. In this mode, the camera takes a series of exposures in rapid succession and automatically detects the minimal differences in the subject’s position that occur between each exposure. It is used to create a combined image with details that otherwise end up between the pixels. This not only leads to an image with super-high resolution but also more color information and even less noise. The function can also be used with the image stabilization active.

The new technology is known as Pixel Shift Resolution II and like the previous version, long shutter speeds require a tripod for best possible result.

Faster and better AF tracking
Pentax K-1 Mark II has an advanced autofocus with 33 AF sensors, 25 of them cross-type that can focus on both horizontal and vertical lines. It works at light levels down to -3 EV, so dark that you can barely see the subject. With the help of new, enhanced algorithms the autofocus has now become even faster and better at tracking moving subjects in the AF-C mode (continuous autofocus).

Price and availability
The new camera is available for delivery in the end of March and has the following retail price:

Pentax K-1 Mark II body: € 2.099

Important features of Pentax K-1 Mark II
36.4 megapixel full-frame sensor without low-pass filter
Compact, rugged and weather-proof body with metal covers
Built-in 5-axis image stabilizer with 5 stop advantage
NEW: Special noise reduction chip provides even better image quality at high sensitivities and increases range of ISO settings up to ISO 819 200
NEW: Pixel Shift Resolution System II for images with super-high resolution and even lower noise. Now works with both tripod and handheld shooting
NEW: Faster autofocus and improved subject tracking with AF-C mode
33 AF sensors, 25 of them cross-type, and autofocus at light levels down to -3 EV
Continuous shooting at 4.4 fps, up to 17 images in RAW or 70 images in JPEG
Optical viewfinder with 100& field of view
Tiltable 3-inch screen with 1.037 000 dots
Video recording in Full HD (1920×1080 pixels, 60i/30p) and external microphone input
Assist light: Four LED lamps placed around the camera to illuminate controls
Dual SD card slots with several options for storing your images and videos
Built-in GPS plus Wi-Fi for wireless transfer of images to a smartphone or tablet
Built-in Astro Tracer – capture sharp images of stars even at long shutter speeds

The Photography Show returns to the NEC for its fifth year, between 17-20 March 2018. Full to the brim with everything a passionate photography enthusiast or a well-seasoned professional photographer could possibly dream of; including the latest technology from all the leading brands, demos of the latest kit, conference sessions and a complete range of talks and seminars guaranteed to meet your needs, whatever your level. Join like-minded photographers at the must-attend event in the image making community’s calendar.

Towards the opening of the new National Museum in 2020, the National Gallery will also show some contemporary art exhibitions. The exhibition “Troløse bilder” will cover close to 40 key works of art, from Vibeke Tandberg’s self-determination set as a young bride and Hito Steyeri’s quest for the past as a bondage model to Alfredo Jaars non-photo of Osama Bin Laden’s death.

” The number of photos is increasing, but we are still seeing less,” says Sean Snyder, one of the artists in the exhibition.

Today’s society is in the midst of a technological revolution. The visual flow has moved. And with social media and mobile camera in the pocket, the power balance has changed. There are new times, and the art also poses new questions. In different ways, all the works in ” Faithful Pictures ” grasp the vast amount of images we surround ourselves – the visual flow that will portray our lives, our time and our world. The news clips, the advertising, the flicker from the internet.

Recommendation for new worlds and unseen connections.

-Our previous generations would highlight the cultural codes in society, today’s young generation artists address the visual culture with a new ease. It’s no longer about the problems of imaging the world, but about creating new worlds. Imagine unseen relationships or change the order of things. And where does the road go? Perhaps some of the works in the exhibition point out the direction , says curator Andrea Kroksnes.

The image’s power over reality In “Faithful images,” the artists comment on the power of the image about reality, and how it affects our own self-understanding. Techniques range from appropriation and bricolage to interventions and visual activism in the field of photo and video.

In addition to the fact that the entire first floor of the National Gallery is filled with contemporary art, the permanent exhibition will be opened on the 2nd floor for works by contemporary artists Andrea Fraser, Louise Lawler, Torbjørn Rødland and Fredrik Værslev. The exhibition is 13 May .